The Void Temple was silent, its air thick with ancient energy and anticipation. Xiao Tian stood before Elder Taixu, his silver eyes locked on his master's spectral form. The boy's stance was steady, his body still aching from the trials of the Shadow Veil training, yet his resolve remained unbroken.
"You have learned the foundation of stealth," Taixu began, his voice low but firm. "But mastery is forged in the fires of real battle. Today, you will undertake your first true mission—a task that will test your skills and resolve."
Xiao Tian nodded, his expression unwavering. "What is the mission?"
Taixu gestured, and a portal of swirling Void energy opened before them. "Beyond this portal lies Black Ash Valley, a land overrun by lawless cultivators. Your target is a rogue Qi Condensation cultivator named Wei Kun, leader of the Blood Shadow Bandits. He preys on the weak, extorting and murdering as he pleases. You will eliminate him and return unharmed."
Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed. "What do I need to know?"
Taixu's spectral form flickered as he stepped closer. "Wei Kun is cunning and ruthless, protected by a band of loyal followers. They will not hesitate to kill you if you're discovered. Stealth is key. Use the techniques you've learned—strike from the shadows and leave no trace."
Xiao Tian took a step toward the portal, but Taixu's voice stopped him.
"Remember this, Xiao Tian," Taixu said, his tone uncharacteristically solemn. "A single mistake could mean your death. Trust in your training and your instincts. This is not a controlled trial. This is reality."
"I understand," Xiao Tian replied, his voice steady. Without hesitation, he stepped into the portal.
---
Arrival in Black Ash Valley
The portal spat Xiao Tian out into a desolate wasteland. The air was thick with the stench of blood and decay, and the distant cries of scavenger beasts echoed through the ashen sky. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground like broken teeth, casting long, eerie shadows.
Xiao Tian crouched low, activating Shadow Veil to blend into the darkness. Ahead, he spotted the bandit camp—a cluster of crude tents and barricades surrounding a large central pavilion. Fires burned in makeshift pits, their smoke rising into the murky sky.
Xiao Tian observed the camp from a distance, his sharp eyes scanning the perimeter. Guards patrolled in pairs, their weapons gleaming faintly in the dim light. The central pavilion, where Wei Kun likely resided, was heavily guarded.
"This won't be easy," Xiao Tian muttered to himself.
---
The Infiltration
Xiao Tian waited patiently, his breathing steady as he tracked the guards' movements. When the nearest pair turned their backs, he slipped through a gap in the barricade, his figure melting into the shadows.
The camp was alive with noise—bandits laughing, drinking, and sharpening their weapons. Xiao Tian moved silently, his steps light and deliberate. He clung to the shadows, his presence completely masked by Shadow Veil.
As he approached the central pavilion, a lone guard stood in his path, his attention focused on the fire pit nearby. Xiao Tian crept closer, his Void Qi blade forming silently in his hand. In one swift motion, he struck, driving the blade into the guard's neck. The man collapsed soundlessly, his body disappearing into the shadows.
---
Inside the Pavilion
The interior of the pavilion was dimly lit, the air thick with the acrid stench of burning incense. At its center sat Wei Kun, a burly man with a scarred face and cold, calculating eyes. His aura was strong, his mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivation radiating a faint pressure.
Wei Kun sat on a throne of bones, flanked by two armed guards. His voice boomed as he barked orders to a group of bandits kneeling before him.
Xiao Tian observed from the shadows, his silver eyes narrowing. This would require precision and speed—any mistake would draw the attention of the entire camp.
Activating Shadow Veil, Xiao Tian melted into the darkness, his form becoming invisible to both sight and spiritual sense. He moved closer, his Void Qi blade glinting faintly in his hand.
The first guard shifted uneasily, his instincts warning him of danger. But before he could act, Xiao Tian struck, his blade piercing the man's heart. The guard collapsed without a sound.
The second guard turned, his eyes widening in alarm, but Xiao Tian was faster. Flickering forward with Void Steps, he silenced the man with a swift slash.
Wei Kun shot to his feet, his saber drawn. "Who dares to enter my domain?" he roared, his Qi flaring.
Xiao Tian stepped out of the shadows, his blade raised. "Your reign ends here."
---
The Battle
Wei Kun lunged, his saber slicing through the air with deadly precision. Xiao Tian dodged, his small frame moving with agility as he countered with a swift strike.
The two clashed, Void Qi and spiritual energy colliding in bursts of light. Despite Wei Kun's power, Xiao Tian's speed and precision allowed him to evade the man's heavy blows.
"You're just a child!" Wei Kun sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Do you think you can kill me?"
Xiao Tian's expression remained cold. "You've underestimated me."
Wei Kun charged again, his saber glowing with Qi energy. Xiao Tian activated Void Chains, binding the man's legs and disrupting his attack. Wei Kun stumbled, and Xiao Tian seized the opportunity.
Flickering forward with Void Steps, Xiao Tian drove his blade into Wei Kun's chest. The bandit leader let out a guttural roar, his Qi flaring in a desperate attempt to break free. But Xiao Tian twisted the blade, his voice cold and unyielding.
"Your greed has ended your life."
With a final thrust, Wei Kun collapsed, his body falling limp.
---
The Escape
The camp was still alive with noise, the bandits unaware of their leader's demise. Xiao Tian activated Shadow Veil once more, his form disappearing into the darkness. He slipped past the barricades and into the wasteland, leaving no trace of his presence.
As he reached the edge of Black Ash Valley, the portal reappeared, its swirling energy a welcome sight. Without hesitation, Xiao Tian stepped through.
---
Return to the Void Temple
Elder Taixu awaited him, his spectral form glowing faintly in the temple's dim light.
"You've succeeded," Taixu said, his tone calm but carrying a hint of approval.
Xiao Tian nodded. "Wei Kun is dead. No one saw me."
Taixu's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. You have proven yourself capable of blending the art of stealth with precision. But remember—this is only the beginning. The challenges ahead will be far greater, and the enemies you face will be far stronger."
Xiao Tian clenched his fists, his silver eyes gleaming with resolve. "I will be ready."